Environment | Global

Bowmans houses an impressive environmental group with a prominent position in the market. The team advises both local and international corporations on regulatory complianceand risk assessmentregarding mining, waste managementand contaminated sites. The group is sought after for its expertise in environmental considerations regarding M&A transactions and the development of energy projects. It offers further expertise in niche areas of environmental law such as nature reserves, with experience advising on legislative changes.

Webber Wentzel operates a broad-ranging environmental law practice acting on forestry, water use and waste management mandates, with particular recognition for the strength of its fisheries expertise. The group frequently undertakes environmental due diligence on M&A transactions, acting for domestic and international commercial clients. Additionally, the law firm maintains an active presence in the mining sector, advising on acquisitions, regulatory considerations and environmental impact assessments. The team features on high-profile disputes in the environmental space, including appeals against environmental authorisations.

Werksmans Attorneys maintains a well-established environmental group best known for the strength and breadth of its appellate practice. The team frequently represents clients on both sides in appeals against environmental authorisations, including approvals for developments and operations in the mining sector. Knowledgeable on water rights law, heritage sites, renewable energy developments and infrastructure projects, the firm is also active in assisting with environmental due diligence and regulations in relation to M&A deals.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr houses an environmental practice group with a deep and varied client roster of high-profile domestic and international corporations from sectors including mining, manufacturing and energy. The team is frequently instructed to carry out environmental due diligence regarding proposed M&A and other corporate transactions. The group additionally provides advice on a broad range of environmental compliance and licensing issues, such as water use, mining rights and waste management.

ENS maintains a stellar reputation for its work in the mining sector, acting for clients on a range of contentious and non-contentious environmental law matters. The group's representative instructions include advising on conflicting mining rights, environmental contamination and operational expansion and set-up approvals. Additionally, the practice is knowledgeable on the government's independent power producer programme, water management and resource protection. The team has an active presence in waste management and heritage sites, including instances of community resistance to landfill developments and developments on or near to protected areas.

White & Case has a respected environment and climate change practice in South Africa. It advises clients on environmental due diligence and regulatory mandates, with further activity representing clients in contentious environment cases. The lawyers of the firm are adept at handling administrative and enforcement proceedings.